Activities and Places of Interest

Activities for All

North Northumberland, an area of contrasts. You can enjoy the remote rolling hills of the Cheviots in the morning and in the afternoon enjoy splashing along large sandy beaches with magnificent castles towering above or intriguing islands offshore to explore.

For walkers, there are fascinating route-marked ways taking you to visit places of ancient battles or cup-and-ring marks with very little effort while others may prefer independent walking along deep valleys or appreciating the magnificent views from the higher points of Northumberland, Hedgehope, Simonside or the Schil.

There is both Cuthberts Way, St Oswalds Way and the Pennine Way straddling the area. Cyclists can get on their bikes and follow the Coast and Castles Cycle route meandering between the beach and quiet roads along the length of the county and then head inland for a more strenuous route heading for Kielder.

Golf

There is Belford driving range, and 18 hole golf courses at Seahouses, Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh, Alnwick, Foxton and Goswick. All offer access to holidaymakers but should be contacted in advance to make arrangements.

Fishing

Whether you enjoy fly fishing in famous pools on the Tweed, dangling a reel over the edge of a boat or shore fishing at night there is a wide choice for all ages. Guests have the opportunity to fish in the grounds of the Castle (in season) for salmon or sea trout and free of charge ( as long as you have a rod licence).

Houses & Gardens

North Northumberland has a fascinating mixture of Castles and Houses to interest all ages from the imposing ruin of Dunstanburgh castle standing dramatically on a headland of rock, to Alnwick Castle the home of the Duke of Northumberland and Northumberland Fusiliers and location for many film epics including Harry Potter and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

Wallington Hall and Cragside House, both National Trust properties are an education for children and their parents with a wonderful Dolls House and the first water-powered turbine producing electricity. Both places are also well known for their mature gardens which are worth a visit at any time of the year.

Howick gardens are very colourful in the Spring and you can enjoy the delightful Long Walk to the beach. Alnwick Gardens is a place not to be missed not only for its sheltered walled garden, its spectacular fountains, the delightful rose garden and of course the Tree house.

Place of Interest

From the rugged grandeur of the Cheviot Hills and unspoilt moorland in the National Park to the broad and fertile coastal plain, this region has a character all of its own.

Explore the wonderful coastline with its towering castles, such as Bamburgh, clean sandy beaches and fishing villages at Craster and Seahouses.

As well as the famous Alnwick Gardens and Alnwick Castle, which featured in the Harry Potter adventurers, there are numerous stately homes and castles to investigate.

Historic Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage site, dramatically marks the southern boundary of the region.

The Coast and Castles cycle route linking into cross-country trails offers something for all the family.

Wildlife abounds and there are magnificent secret valleys full of fascinating fauna and flora, where you are likely to counter no-one but the local shepherd and his Border Collie dog.

Nearly every village has its pub where you can enjoy traditional food prepared from local produce and others offering a range of international dishes.

By contrast, the bright lights of Newcastle upon Tyne, famed for its nightlife, entertainment and MetroCentre shopping, is not too far away.

Short breaks available

Beautiful Locations

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